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Balboa Park: Traveler Reviews

1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-0512
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Ranked #10 of 174 activities in San Diego
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Type: Parks, Gardens, Playgrounds
Activities: Biking, City walk sightseeing, Walking, Viewing wildlife, Getting married
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: More than 3 hours
Owner description: One of the most popular urban parks in the United States, this bucolic paradise is packed with an array of attractions, including the world-famous San... more » Owner description: One of the most popular urban parks in the United States, this bucolic paradise is packed with an array of attractions, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo. « less
Useful Information: Activities for young children, Stroller parking, Activities for older children
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2,245 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    503
    81
    13
    3
Date Rating
There are newer reviews for Balboa Park
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Los Angeles, California
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
“Perfect Park”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 23, 2013

It's your perfect park that has a little bit of everything. From open fields, car shows, museums, zoos, and local vendors, it has a a huge variety of things to see and do. It's nice because you can visit multiple times and it never gets old.

My husband and I love the park so much, we took our engagement photos here. In fact, everyone and their mom takes their engagement or special photos there! With such a wide variety of backgrounds and beautiful scenery, a lot of visitors come for events and to chill in the park.

Parking is free, it's very spreadout, so bring your walking shoes!

Visited February 2012
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Washington Twp., MI
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
“photographers dream destination in San Diego both day and night are a must.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 23, 2013

The architecture is old Spanish style and a pleasant place to stroll, beautifully decorated at Christmas. There is also a beautiful Rose garden as well as a large Cactus desert garden. Lots of Fountains and a old world feel.

Visited December 2012
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See 3 more reviews by Tina101010 for San Diego
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Julian
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“too many things, too little time”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 23, 2013

there are so many reasons to visit the park ..... the famous Zoo, many museums, the Space theatre, Spanish Village, several food choices, the architecture, gardens, or, just sitting on the lawn watching the world go by... Balboa park is a nice respite from the busy city surrounding it...

Visited August 2012
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See 2 more reviews by julianart for San Diego
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Boston, Massachusetts
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“What a great monument to civic pride”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 23, 2013

The buildings in this park were originally built as temporary facades for a world's fair, but after the fair, the citizens of San Diego vowed to make them real. They still look sort of fake, but real they are, and they are full of local civic events. Dances, puppet shows, concerts, you name it.

The green space is very nice, but not outstanding.

Visited January 2013
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Pacific Beach, California
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“Fun pastime”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 23, 2013

My wife and I go here at least a couple times a year and love it. Best place for photos in San Diego!

Visited March 2012
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See 3 more reviews by califf22 for San Diego
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